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What does new Michigan football transfer addition bring to the Wolverine offense?

New Michigan football transfer AJ Barner is looking to earn a large role on offense this fall.

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Michigan football transfer, AJ Barner, tight end
© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Over the 2023 off-season, Jim Harbaugh added a new standout Michigan football transfer to the offensive side of the team. AJ Barner is coming to Ann Arbor to make an impact with the Maize and Blue in 2023, potentially boosting the Wolverines to a third-straight Big Ten title and beyond. Following the Wolverines’ spring game in Ann Arbor, fellow Michigan tight end Matthew Hibner analyzed what Barner brings to the team’s sideline this fall.

Michigan football transfer looking to earn huge role in 2023

AJ Barner is the perfect fit for Michigan football heading into the 2023 season. The Wolverines’ run-heavy scheme will benefit from Barner’s blocking ability, complemented by his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame. Moreover, with JJ McCarthy needing more receiving threats this fall, Barner’s presence becomes even more valuable for the Michigan football offense as they prepare for the new season.

“A.J. has been a great addition. He’s a great guy, a great player, brings a lot of height to the tight end room, brings a lot of length,” Hibner said of Michigan football transfer AJ Barner in 2023.”

“He does well in the run game,” Hibner continued, “I mean, I feel like all of us are just weapons in our own way, we’re not all the same people, but we all bring different things to the field, and I think we’re gonna show that this season.”

Barner and Loveland are the future of the Wolverines’ offense

During his junior season with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten, AJ Barner was voted team captain, once again proving that he is a significant addition for the Wolverines this year.

He appeared in 10 games last year, making 28 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns. The Wolverines will be losing Erick All and Luke Schoonmaker, the program’s top two tight ends from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. This year, Barner and sophomore Colston Loveland will be expected to provide additional support on the offensive side of the football for the Maize and Blue.

Michigan football appears to have its best shot at winning another Big Ten title, making the College Football Playoff once again, and perhaps even pushing for the program’s first national title in nearly three decades. To achieve all of this, their star transfer tight end needs to step up and become a top contributor for the Maize and Blue in 2023.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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